Fashion and Style from Deb Johns, creator of the Scout Collection by Bungalow

Three Cities, Five Days: Where to Shop, Gifts & Home November 18, 2011

IN PARIS: Maison de Vacances has custom cashmere and leather pillows and throws, located in the Palais Royale; for an exotic/old world spice and kitchen store, try Izrael Epicerie du Monde in the Marais area; Jamin Peuch for the ultimate over-the-top accessory – no doubt a collector’s item – located in on Rue Vieille du Temple; Fragonard began as a perfumery and now sells amazing linens, scarves, travel bags… perfect for gifts, located on Saint Germain down from Café Flore.

IN MILAN: Fornasetti has a beautiful new location on Via Bazzina and features a range of homewares and gifts – from pillows to ceramics – and also houses an impressive collection of Fornasetti work from the last 50 years; the basement of Rinascente Department Store (also open Sunday) has become the Design Supermarket, which features a wide range of international homewares and gifts; Laduree has a brand new location in Milan, on Via Spadari, and while it is great for breakfast and lunch it is also perfect for gifts… their gift boxes of macaroons are the perfect small treat for friends and family. We should note that Milan is the capital for contemporary and innovative furniture design, and many outposts are located throughout the city.

IN LONDON: Begin at the basement of Selfridges department store, conveniently located on Oxford Street, a shopping ‘Mecca’, featuring a carefully edited spectrum of home and gift pros from around the globe; Conran’s, located in South Kensington, still offers some of the best furnishing to gift options in the city… stop in at Bibendum Oyster Bar; Designers Guild on the Kings Road has two shops, one featuring upholstery and wallpaper, the other home furnishings, linens, and gifts… if you need a little sunshine on a rainy British day, this is your destination; Villandry, a ‘restaurant, bar, and foodstore’ is not to be missed, and is conveniently located in Soho/the theatre district.